Ephesians 4:31

KJV

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G142} all {G3956} bitterness {G4088}, and {G2532} wrath {G2372}, and {G2532} anger {G3709}, and {G2532} clamour {G2906}, and {G2532} evil speaking {G988}, be put away {G142} from {G575} you {G5216}, with {G4862} all {G3956} malice {G2549}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, violent assertiveness and slander, along with all spitefulness.

Berean Standard Bible

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.

American Standard Version

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:31 serves as a potent apostolic command, urging believers to decisively abandon a comprehensive list of destructive attitudes and behaviors that are antithetical to their new identity in Christ. This verse functions as a critical instruction for fostering genuine Christian conduct and preserving the unity and purity of the believing community, emphasizing the active removal of inner dispositions and outward expressions that hinder spiritual growth and communal harmony.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the practical exhortations of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, specifically following the theological exposition of chapters 1-3 and the foundational call to unity in [Ephesians 4:1-16](/ephesians/4-1-16 "Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ"). Paul transitions from the doctrinal truths of salvation and the church's identity to the ethical implications of that identity. [Ephesians 4:17-24](/ephesians/4-17-24 "Ephesians 4:17-24 - Putting Off the Old Man and Putting On the New") describes the stark contrast between the former Gentile way of life—characterized by futility, ignorance, and moral decay—and the renewed mind and spirit that comes from being "clothed with the new man." Therefore, the vices listed in [Ephesians 4:31](/ephesians/4-31 "Ephesians 4:31 - Putting Away Vices") are precisely those behaviors associated with the "old man" that believers are commanded to "put off," making way for the virtues of the "new man" described immediately in [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving"). This verse is thus an integral part of Paul's ethical framework for transformed living within the Christian community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in Asia Minor, known for its diverse population, vibrant commerce, and the prominent worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana). The early Christian community in Ephesus, like many nascent churches, was composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, bringing with them a wide array of cultural backgrounds, social norms, and pre-conversion habits. The vices enumerated in [Ephesians 4:31](/ephesians/4-31 "Ephesians 4:31 - Putting Away Vices") were prevalent in the Greco-Roman world, where public displays of anger, contentious rhetoric, and slander were common, especially in legal disputes, political discourse, and even philosophical debates. Paul's command directly challenges these societal norms, calling believers to a counter-cultural ethic rooted in Christ. The emphasis on unity throughout [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity in the Body of Christ") also reflects the need to transcend the social and ethnic divisions that often plagued ancient communities, ensuring that internal strife did not undermine the church's witness.
* **Key Themes:** [Ephesians 4:31](/ephesians/4-31 "Ephesians 4:31 - Putting Away Vices") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ephesians and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Radical Transformation**, highlighting that conversion to Christ involves not merely a change in status but a fundamental reorientation of one's inner disposition and outward conduct. The command to "put away" these vices signifies an active, intentional renunciation of the old self. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Christian Unity and Community Purity**. The vices listed are inherently divisive and destructive to communal harmony, directly counteracting the unity Paul champions in [Ephesians 4:1-16](/ephesians/4-1-16 "Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ"). By eliminating these negative traits, believers contribute to a healthier, more loving, and unified body of Christ. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Ethical Living as a Reflection of Divine Character**. The call to put away these vices is immediately followed by the command to be "kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" in [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving"). This demonstrates that Christian ethics are not arbitrary rules but an imitation of God's own character, made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **put away (Greek, _aírō'_):** From G142, meaning "to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e. weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare נָשָׂא) to expiate sin." In this context, _aírō_ denotes a decisive and complete removal, as if lifting something entirely off and carrying it away. It implies an active, intentional disengagement from these negative qualities, rather than a passive avoidance. The command is for a thorough purging, not just a superficial covering.
* **bitterness (Greek, _pikría'_):** From G4088, meaning "acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively." _Pikría_ describes a deep-seated, festering resentment or sour disposition. It's a chronic ill-will that poisons the heart, leading to a harsh and ungracious spirit. This is not a fleeting emotion but a settled attitude of animosity that can corrupt relationships and community life, much like a bitter root that produces poisonous fruit.
* **malice (Greek, _kakía'_):** From G2549, meaning "badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble." _Kakía_ is a comprehensive term for general wickedness, ill-will, or the desire to harm others. It often serves as the underlying root attitude from which the other listed vices spring, representing a malevolent disposition or an active inclination towards evil. It is the antithesis of Christian love and benevolence, encompassing a desire to inflict harm or see others suffer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,"**: This opening clause presents a comprehensive list of negative attitudes and their outward expressions that are to be addressed. "Bitterness" (G4088, _pikría_) signifies a deep-seated, acrid resentment. "Wrath" (G2372, _thymós_) refers to a sudden, intense outburst of passion or rage, often a quick flare-up. "Anger" (G3709, _orgḗ_) implies a more settled, habitual, or smoldering indignation, a deeper, more enduring resentment than _thymós_. "Clamour" (G2906, _kraugḗ_) describes loud quarreling, shouting, or public contention, often associated with heated arguments and strife that disrupt peace. "Evil speaking" (G988, _blasphēmía_) encompasses slander, abusive language, or any speech that defames, insults, or tears down others, particularly in a public or harmful manner. The use of "all" (G3956, _pâs_) before "bitterness" and again before "malice" emphasizes the complete and universal application of this command to every form of these vices.
* **"be put away from you,"**: This is the central command of the verse. The verb "put away" (G142, _aírō_) is in the passive voice but carries an imperative force, indicating that believers are to actively allow these things to be removed from their lives. It implies a decisive, intentional act of discarding these harmful elements, much like taking something up and carrying it far away. This is not a passive waiting for change but an active cooperation with the Holy Spirit in spiritual cleansing, a deliberate renunciation of these behaviors as inconsistent with the new life in Christ. The phrase "from you" (G575, _apó_ G5216, _hymōn_) underscores the personal responsibility of each believer to purge these elements from their inner being and outward conduct.
* **"with all malice:"**: This concluding phrase acts as a comprehensive summary and intensifier. "Malice" (G2549, _kakía_) is a broad term for general wickedness, depravity, or ill-will, often serving as the underlying root attitude from which the other listed vices spring. By adding "with all malice," Paul indicates that not only the specific manifestations but also the fundamental, malevolent disposition that fuels them must be completely eradicated. It serves as an umbrella term, encompassing the spirit of evil and ill-will that undergirds the more specific expressions of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [Ephesians 4:31](/ephesians/4-31 "Ephesians 4:31 - Putting Away Vices") to underscore his command. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where he lists a series of distinct yet related vices: "bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking." This detailed list provides a comprehensive picture of the negative attitudes and behaviors that disrupt Christian community, leaving no room for ambiguity about what is to be renounced. The use of the coordinating conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) repeatedly creates a sense of accumulating negativity, emphasizing the pervasive nature of these vices. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** through the repetition of "all" (G3956, _pâs_) at the beginning ("all bitterness") and end ("with all malice"). This repetition functions to stress the absolute and complete removal required, indicating that no trace of these destructive elements should remain. Finally, the verse employs a strong **Imperative** tone, though expressed through a passive construction ("be put away"), which functions as a command for active self-purification, signifying the urgent and non-negotiable nature of this spiritual transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:31 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of sanctification and the nature of the Christian life. It teaches that the transformation wrought by Christ is not merely positional (justification) but also practical (progressive sanctification), demanding a conscious and active putting away of sinful patterns. This command aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on internal purity leading to external righteousness, reflecting the character of God who is love and light. The vices listed are fundamentally antithetical to the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). The call to put away these elements is a necessary precursor to living out the positive virtues commanded in the subsequent verse, [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving"), where believers are exhorted to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, mirroring God's own forgiveness in Christ. This demonstrates that true Christian living involves both a negative command (putting off sin) and a positive command (putting on righteousness).

* [Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3:8 "Colossians 3:8 - Put Off These Things")
* [James 1:19-20](/james/1:19-20 "James 1:19-20 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger")
* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15:1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:31 presents a profound challenge and a liberating call for every believer. It compels us to engage in honest self-examination, identifying the subtle and overt ways in which bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice may manifest in our hearts and interactions. This is not a passive suggestion but an active command, requiring intentional effort and reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our inner landscape. Putting away these vices is crucial for personal spiritual health, preventing the poisoning of our own souls and the erosion of our relationships. Furthermore, it is indispensable for fostering a vibrant, unified, and loving community within the church. When individuals commit to purging these destructive elements, the corporate body of Christ can truly reflect His character, creating an environment of grace, peace, and mutual edification. This verse reminds us that our spiritual transformation has tangible, relational consequences, impacting not just our individual walk but the collective witness of the church to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Which of the vices listed in Ephesians 4:31 do I find most challenging to "put away" in my own life, and why?**
* **How might the presence of these negative attitudes or behaviors in my life be hindering my relationship with God or with others?**
* **What practical steps can I take, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to actively remove bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice from my heart and speech?**
* **How does my commitment to putting away these vices contribute to the unity and health of my local church community?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "wrath" and "anger" in this verse?**

Answer: While both terms refer to intense displeasure, the Greek words used by Paul, _thymós_ (G2372) for "wrath" and _orgḗ_ (G3709) for "anger," denote distinct nuances. _Thymós_ typically refers to a sudden, passionate outburst of rage, a quick flare-up that can be intense but often temporary, like a fire quickly burning out. In contrast, _orgḗ_ implies a more settled, habitual, or smoldering indignation, a deeper and more enduring resentment. It suggests a prolonged state of displeasure or a rooted disposition towards anger. Paul's inclusion of both terms emphasizes the need to put away all forms of anger, whether sudden explosions or lingering resentments, as they are equally destructive to the new life in Christ and to communal harmony. This distinction is important for understanding the comprehensive nature of Paul's command to rid oneself of all forms of destructive emotional responses.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:31, while a direct command to believers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ. The very ability to "put away" such deeply ingrained human vices is not a matter of mere self-effort but a direct consequence of our union with Christ and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. Christ Himself perfectly exemplified the absence of these vices, even in the face of immense provocation; He was "led as a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53:7 "Like a Lamb to the Slaughter")), responding to evil with grace and forgiveness. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of putting away sin and malice, not just for humanity but within humanity, breaking the power of the "old man" ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6:6 "Our Old Self Crucified")). Through His resurrection, believers are raised to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6:4 "Raised to New Life")), empowered to shed the old garments of bitterness, wrath, and malice. The command in [Ephesians 4:31](/ephesians/4:31 "Putting Away Vices") is therefore not a burden but an invitation to live out the reality of Christ's transformative work within us, allowing His character of love, kindness, and forgiveness ([Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4:32 "Be Kind and Forgiving")) to replace the destructive tendencies of our former selves, thereby reflecting the very nature of God in Christ to the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 3:8

¶ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Titus 3:2

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

1 Peter 2:1

¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them.